Craft

Friday

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

This new year, I am finding that I am not as organized as I would like to be. I have a rough idea of projects and things I want to do; but nothing is set in stone. I still have not figured out what to do about the problem I am having with no more space for photos on my blog. Tierney sent me the link where she explains her photo management. Thanks, Tierney! The problem is how to change the situation as it stands now. I had already upgraded once, but I took up all the space with those unedited photos. I have to consult with my sons to see what, if anything, can be done.

One of my interests for this year is to learn embroidery stitches. Two of the local quilt shops I visit are each having Sue Spargo embroidery classes, but it seems I can never make it to any of the classes. I am trying out new stitches on my own and making small art pieces. One of the pieces I embroidered was a selfie for 2020. The other piece was a combination of techniques. I drew a bird on muslin, and used water color pencils to add color. I sewed some burlap onto a leftover floral charm fabric. Then I added a silk backing. I am also working on another piece where I embroidered the dove, tree, heart, and butterfly that I drew on some linen blend. I am liking this project better than the 365 Day Button and Embroidery project that I started. In this project, a button and or stitches is added on each day of the year.

My Meemaw friends and I had a Wabi-Sabi day, last Sunday. Three of us decided to use these Wabi-Sabi days to work on new quilts. The fourth buddy is helping with whatever needs to be done. Since I had just returned from out-of-town, I did not have anything ready for the quilt I was planning. Instead, I helped my friend cut and get ready to piece her first quilt. This past Monday, I visited Las Colchas to get the fabric for my next quilt. The shop has a great selection of Tex-Mex prints. I have been wanting to make a quilt to celebrate my family culture and heritage. I chose a pattern from the book, The Gentle Art of Quiltmaking by Jane Brocket. The book was loaned to me by one of the Meemaws. She recommended one of the quilt patterns that she had chosen from this book to make a quilt for herself. She thought that the pattern would showcase the vibrant color and design of the Tex-Mex fabric, and I totally agree. I pieced the backing for this quilt, using a fabric which features milagros.

I am also working on a Minecraft quilt. The free pattern is by Kelli Fannin. In November, I had pieced the top three rows, and the bottom two rows. When I went to attach the two parts, I realized I was off. The bottom piece was wider than the top. After fooling with it a bit, I threw it in the This-Is-Driving-Me-Crazy bin. I pulled it out this past Tuesday, and took it to the Mesquite Bean. The helpful people at this shop gave me some suggestions that would require minimal rip and sew. Thanks to these friends, I was able to piece the top together today. Kelli Fannin created a dragon block for the backing. I plan to try this out tomorrow.
Note: Phyllis, if you are reading this blog, this quilt is a secret!

Last week, while in Round Rock, I went on a birding walk around the lake where one of my sons lives. It was my first birding walk for the year. Then, this Wednesday, the Meemaws went on a birding walk by the river in the King William area of San Antonio. So far, I have seen 21 different species of birds this year. Bird watching is so exciting!

*In the video, the linen blend that I used for the embroidery projects, shows an exaggerated version of the fabric. The fabric is really not that grainy.

Kraft Tex

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

One of the things I love about blogging is getting to meet people who share ideas, and promote creativity. Mary, of Zippy Quilts, has a few posts on using Kraft Tex. After reading her posts and seeing the products she made with Kraft Tex, I was quite interested. Then, she graciously invited and encouraged me to give it a try.  My time in the sewing room has been unpredictable lately, but I managed to have some time to try out the Kraft Tex.
I realize that there is SO much that can be done using this fabric paper. I only touched the surface. I viewed many tutorials on the product. I decided to start with something simple, like a journal cover.
For the year 2019, I made two quilt blocks for each month. The blocks represent special people, places and events. I practiced and tried many different techniques in making the blocks. I also used blocks and pieces in my “What-Do-I Do-With This?” bin. I turned these blocks into signatures and ended up needing a spine that was 2.5″-3″.
Here is a brief summary of the process:
1. Cut the cover from Kraft Tex (Front 9″ + Back 9″+ Spine 2.5″ +Flap 2.5″) 23″ X 9″
2. Cut the lining from light cotton fabric at 23″X9″
3. Fold and crease the Kraft Tex to form the front, back, binding and flap.
4. Cut light fusible about 1/4 inch shorter than length and width of lining and fuse onto lining.
5. Sew lining and cover, wrong sides together, using a zigzag stitch.
6. I chose to use my AccuQuilt Go! to cut appliques from Kraft Tex. My plan was to glue them on, but apparently, I did not choose the right glue. I ended up having to sew the applique on, and I am not quite happy with the result. I know it can be done, but I need more practice.
7. Hand-sew signatures onto the spine.
8. Fasten flap to front cover using velcro circles.

I also had time to make a small lined, zipper pouch to help organize my purse. I followed the simple tutorial by Gourmet Quilter. She gives examples of different ways to make this pouch. My original plan was to Gelli-print and paint the Kraft Tex, but my time was limited. I needed the pouch right away. It was made in 30 minutes, and there are a few oopsies in it. This pouch is so handy for carrying and organizing the small essentials in my purse. The Kraft Tex is so durable. It has received many compliments whenever I take it out.

My plan is to play and discover more ways to utilize Kraft Tex. Thank you, Mary, for sharing this product.

2020

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

Happy New Year!
It has been a busy start to this new year. I have been between here and there and everywhere since the holidays, so I have not been able to post.
At the end of 2019, I found myself making two journals. One journal was to house all the photos, cards, and memories I pin on two boards in my sewing room. These boards are my inspiration for the year.
I just used fabric and scrapbook paper to make this journal. The cover was made from a practice piece that I had stored in a bin. This piece was a combination of Gelli-plate printing, applique, and a whole mix of things I was trying. I ended up cutting and resewing the piece to make into a cover.

I am also experiencing a problem with my blog. Apparently, I have used up all my space by adding photos that are high in pixels. I thought that sizing them to thumbnail was all that was needed to save space.  I know enough about blogging to be stupid. My videos are not the problem because they are stored in YouTube.
I was given three options:
1. Spend an outrageous amount of time downloading all of the photos in my library, use a photo app to resize and then reload into my library
2. Delete the photos in my library
3. Upgrade at a cost

For now, the plan is just to make videos.

The second journal I made was a collection of blocks that I made for each month of the year. The cover was made using Kraft Tex. I will have another post about this great product.
In the meantime, I hope everyone has a peaceful and blessed New Year.

Handy Sewing Pouch

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

One of my goals for 2019 is to learn more and improve my embroidery stitching skills. For my 365 day project, I chose to make a Button and Stitches project, an idea from Ashley Hackshaw.  I have all of my thread, needles, beads, etc. that I use for small projects in a jewelry box that was gifted to me by my youngest son MANY years ago. The plastic box is like a tool box that has a top shelf as you open the lid. This works out great for my at home projects. But, I am on the road a bit at the moment, so I decided to make a traveling fabric book/pouch for my hand sewing notions. My friend, Francine, at Las Colchas, showed me one that she had made and I really liked the idea. I decided to use scraps and stitch the cover out of pieces, just like Francine did. The inside of the book was personalized to suit what I needed to take along with me and have on hand.
Have Sewing Pouch
Will Travel

 

Marvelous Inspiration

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

In all things of nature there is something of the marvelous.

Aristotle

Most of these past two weeks have been spent in my sewing room, as I am busy making fabric pouches to use as gift bags. I have managed to squeeze in real life stuff on some days, but I wanted to make today special.
The year is quickly coming to an end, and I am reflecting at what I have done. It is also time to start thinking about what I want to do. My friends and I took an opportunity to enjoy this beautiful, crisp winter day by going for a walk at the San Antonio Botanical Garden. It has been a while since I visited this peaceful place. The four of us were the only ones there early this morning. We enjoyed the sounds and sights. It was quite inspirational. Even in the winter, the Gardens are a sight to see. We were able to see many birds, including a Blue Heron, a Red Hawk, and many wrens. The cardinals were absolutely gorgeous. The colors, natural designs, and textures that surrounded us led to great discussions. Two of our non-quilting friends have decided to try making their first quilt. We plan to choose the same design or pattern, but use the color palette of our choice. This is one activity on my 2020 To-Do List. There are so many things I would like to try in 2020, so I will continue looking for inspiration to help me design a plan. I hope to hear from all of you and see what you are thinking of doing. In the meantime, I will post a few photos from today’s marvelous walk.

Two Weeks

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

With only two weeks until Christmas, I am busy making zippered pouches as gift bags. The pattern for these pouches is from Marcela’s Purse. There are a couple of more pouches on this site that I plan to try out. Marcela posts great tutorials.

I had purchased some OdiCoat gel coating to make the fabric water proof. I decided not to use it for these pouches. The process of coating would add time that I do not have to get these pouches completed. I will try the gel coating on some other bags at a later date.
For now, I am busy making personalized bags. My brother has two adorable and very spoiled dogs, Atticus and Humphrey. I used some paw print fabric to make a doggie treat bag and some scarves for the two furry characters.

I have a few more pouches to make before I can start filling them. Busy, but happy times.

 

Meemaw Christmas Adventure

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

On Thursday, my Meemaw friends and I packed into the clown car and headed out for our Christmas Adventure. This is the first time we took a trip without a set agenda. We just knew we wanted to participate in the small town Texas Christmas celebrations…and do a little shopping.
Our trip began with a visit to the Pottery Ranch, followed by lunch and pie at the Bluebonnet Cafe. Our destination was the Stagecoach Inn in Salado, Texas. This historic inn is in the process of renovation. In fact, downtown Salado is also being renovated. On the first night, we attended the night parade. It was such a treat to see the children dressed in lights and wavy Merry Christmas from their parade vehicles. We visited Round Rock the next day. The city was in preparation for their family night, which we did not attend.
We spent the rest of the day shopping in Salado. We visited with a group of very interesting women. They belong to the outside adventure group, the Sisters on the Fly. Their trailers were decorated for Christmas. The women were so friendly, and invited people to join them in their trailers as they shared information about their group. My Meemaw friends would love to do this, but it would be a disaster if we had to pull our own trailer. Besides, we like the comfort of a hotel while traveling. Membership does not require a trailer, however. It seems like a fun group of women.
Then, that night, we participated in the Salado Christmas Stroll. The shops provided entertainment and food as we strolled down the main street. One of my sons had told me about the Strawberry Patch . The store has all types of excellent coffee served in the store; and sold either as beans or ground beans.
The real hit for me was the parade and Market Day in Georgetown. I lived in Georgetown back in the ’70’s and it holds a special spot in my heart. I love parades, big or small. I found myself marching along with the bands. So much fun! Of course, an excursion to these small towns includes a visit to the Dairy Queen for a Blizzard. Our diets will resume on Monday.
The clown car was packed with our shopping goodies, and the trip home was a bit more crowded. We ended up doing more on this trip with no set itinerary.
Here is a little video of our trip:

Now, it is time to get back to exercising, eating healthy, and working on projects.

Oh, what fun!

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

Have you ever been pulled into the vortex of YouTube tutorials? How about Pinterest? There is a wealth of information and ideas at our finger tips. Time well spent.
Recently, I found this tutorial for making a tiny zipper pouch that can be used as a key chain or attached to a purse. So Sew Easy provides an excellent tutorial for making this small coin purse. I made mine a half inch longer and wider than the dimensions listed in the tutorial. It was so much fun to make. The pouch is the perfect addition to the crossbody bag I made.

Scrappy Day

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

Yesterday I was able to finish hand quilting a snowman table runner.  I chose this project in order to practice hand quilting. This was a fun learning process. I find, as Mariss of Fabrications says, that hand quilting can be addictive.

I folded the top so you could see the cute snowman fabric used on the backing.
After I finished binding the table runner, I went to store my remaining scraps in my Christmas fabric suitcase. While rummaging through the suitcase, I found the scraps from the Christmas quilt that I made for me. The fabric was too cute to discard, I had no idea what I could do with it. I thought of mug rugs, but that didn’t sound exciting.
So, I went to YouTube to look for inspiration. I found a tutorial by Yoan Sewing Studio, and immediately got to work on making a patchwork crossbody bag. In the tutorial, only three different colors are used for the patchwork. I cut all the remaining Christmas fabric I had for the patchwork. I had to find three fabrics for the lining, the backing, and the lining pockets. For the candy cane strap, I had to piece the fabric to have enough. I had the D-rings for the strap. Tomorrow, I will have to purchase the lobster clasps and the slider to attach the strap. This was a fun way to spend an afternoon. I am so happy that none of this cute fabric went to waste.
The front has a zippered pocket.
The back has a double pocket.
The lining also has a double pocket.
I hope your Monday was a fun day.

 

 

Saturday

by Chela's Colchas y Mas

Since today was Small Business Saturday, I visited my two favorite quilt shops in San Antonio. My friend, Francine, is the owner of Las Colchas. She and Toni opened the shop in 1981. The shop is filled with gorgeous fabric, sewing notions, and patterns. The best part of visiting with Francine is the inspiration and encouragement that she offers. Many times, I have gone into the shop with nothing more than a simple idea. Francine helps to grow, visualize, and develop my ideas. Her main advice is to just play and have fun. As I was selecting fabric, I ran across a sample table runner they had on display. It is a very simple pattern, In the Meadow, by Creek Side Stitches. What caught my eye about this cute snowman table runner, was that Toni had hand quilted it. One of my goals is to some day hand quilt a lap sized quilt. I have done a bit of hand quilting, but only on small art projects. Toni gave me some helpful hints and encouragement to try hand quilting. I was able to piece the table runner this afternoon. I plan to start hand quilting it tomorrow.

I also visited the Mesquite Bean, where I was able to find more fabric for some future projects. The shop was super busy, so I was not able to touch base with one of the many helpful employees there. I will be returning there soon, since I need advice on one of the quilts that I have in progress.

Before Thanksgiving, I made some pouches for my Meemaw friends. The Clown Car is getting ready for a trip to Round Rock, Georgetown, and Salado, Texas. We plan to attend the Christmas Strolls and visit the downtown shops in all three of these cities. The pouches will be used for our travel snacks. I used the pattern and tutorial by Marcela’s Purse.


I also painted a rock for our trip. It needs some touch up painting because the black marker smeared when I brushed on the Modge Podge.

The temperature today hit 76. I set the mood with Christmas music so I could finish binding my Christmas quilt. I’ll just drape it over the sofa to add to the Christmas decor.

I hope you enjoyed your Saturday.